System and method for providing a secondary contest dependent on the results of a primary game

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing a secondary contest involving a plurality of players playing a primary award wagering game. The players enter wagers in the primary game, and the results from the primary wagering game determine the outcome of a secondary pari-mutuel contest in which players compete against each other. The results from the primary wagering game resolve the secondary contest where the highest ranking results will win the wagers placed in the secondary contest on a tiered basis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2016/066183, filed Dec. 12, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/293,972, filed Feb. 11, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/266,612, filed Dec. 12, 2015 and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/994,072, filed Jan. 12, 2016 (Now U.S. Pat. No. 9,626,835, issued Apr. 18, 2017), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/076,088, filed Nov. 8, 2013 (Now U.S. Pat. No. 9,269,232, issued Feb. 23, 2016), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/724,941, filed Nov. 10, 2012, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

The figures included herein contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of this patent document as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but reserves all copyrights whatsoever in the subject matter presented herein.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to systems and methods for facilitating game play, and in particular, wagering game play.

New wagering opportunities are always of interest to players and operators alike to make games more appealing and generate greater interest and game play. In some gaming jurisdictions particular types of wagering games are not permitted. In some instances, creating secondary contests where players share in pari-mutuel prize pools and do not receive awards from the primary wagering game are a way to offer legitimate play of such wagering games that would otherwise be prohibited. It should also be understood that for certain games, a critical mass of participant players is required while for others only set numbers of players are permitted. In many instances the secondary contests occur on Portable Network Connected Devices (“PNCDs”) such as cell phones or tablet computers that are connected to the primary wagering game through a network. The invention is directed to satisfying these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for using game play information generated by a first game involving players playing against a house, to determine the outcome of a second game involving different groups of players competing against one another.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and systems for providing a secondary contest involving a plurality of players, each player playing a primary wagering game at a live dealer table where live gaming activities such as wagers placed, and game results such as cards dealt or dice rolls are interpolated by computing devices such as RFID chip readers, laser chip trays, chipping machines, optic or other sensors and “Smart Shoes,” and are communicated to an eligible gaming device within a communication network. Players using eligible computing devices are provided secondary game communications which provide for or involve the steps of: displaying a query to each player of the primary game through a display device on each of the eligible computing devices within the communication network, wherein the query notifies the player of a preset time period for entering a wager in a secondary contest; receiving a secondary contest wager from one or more players during the preset time period; adding those secondary wagers to a game specific pari-mutuel pool; interpolating the actuating of an instance of the primary game upon the expiration of the preset time period for the one or more secondary contest players; comparing the resulting outcome of the primary game for each secondary contest player, wherein each of the resulting outcomes is associated with a number of credits or chips won; awarding at least a portion of the wagers placed in the secondary contest to the winning secondary contest players identified based on the number of credits or chips won in the primary game. It should be understood, that for purposes of this description including the claims and the figures, the term “interpolate” or any form of the word is interchangeable with the term “interpret” or its variations.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and systems for providing a secondary contest involving a plurality of players, each player playing a primary wagering game on an eligible computing device within a communication network, which provide for or involve the steps of: displaying a query to each player of the primary game through a display device on each of the eligible computing devices within the communication network, wherein the query notifies the player of a preset time period for entering a wager in a secondary contest; receiving a secondary contest wager from one or more players during the preset time period; actuating an instance of the primary game upon the expiration of the preset time period for the one or more secondary contest players; comparing the resulting outcome of the primary game for each secondary contest player, wherein each of the resulting outcomes is associated with a rank; determining an outcome of the instance of the secondary contest, wherein the outcome includes at least one of an identification of a winning secondary contest player, wherein the winning secondary contest player is the player having the resulting outcome of the highest rank, and an identification of a tie outcome, wherein the tie outcome includes two or more players having a resulting outcome of the highest rank; responsive to the identification of a winning secondary contest player, awarding at least a portion of the wagers placed in the secondary contest to the winning secondary contest player identified; and responsive to the identification of a tie, repeating some or all of the aforementioned steps.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for providing a secondary contest including a plurality of players involved in the play of a primary wagering game on one or more computing devices, each computing device including a display device and communication interface enabling communication within a network including other computing devices and a secondary contest controller, the method comprising the steps of: displaying a secondary contest notification on the display device of each computing device in the network prior to the actuation of an instance of the primary wagering game, wherein the secondary contest notification provides information relating to an opportunity to enter a wager in a secondary contest through the communication interface; receiving data relating to the entry of a secondary contest wager identifying the computing device from which the data is received; receiving outcome data relating to a subsequent instance of the primary wagering game actuated at each computing device of the identified eligible computing devices, wherein the outcome data includes a randomly generated result in the primary wagering game for each identified eligible computing device; comparing the randomly generated result for each identified eligible computing device with a preset criteria for determining an outcome of the secondary wagering contest, wherein the outcome is a winning, partial winning or a non-winning outcome for one or more identified eligible computing devices; responsive to the satisfaction of the preset criteria for a winning or partial winning outcome, displaying an award notification on the display device of the one or more identified eligible computing devices satisfying the preset criteria for the winning outcome of an awarding of at least a portion of the secondary contest wagers received; and responsive to the satisfaction of the preset criteria for a non-winning outcome, repeating some or all of the aforementioned steps for the one or more identified eligible computing devices satisfying the preset criteria for the non-winning outcome.

In some embodiments, the notification further identifies an amount of time remaining for receiving data relating to the entry of a wager in the secondary contest, and the data relating to the entry of a secondary contest wager may only be received during the amount of time remaining.

In some embodiments, the randomly generated result comprises an amount of credits or chips won. Alternatively, the randomly generated result comprises cards that are dealt a poker ranking or roll of the dice value.

The preset criteria for determining a winning or partial winning outcome of the secondary wagering contest may be the randomly generated result associated with cards that are dealt, a roll of the dice or the highest poker rank. In other embodiments, the preset criteria for determining a winning or partial winning outcome of the secondary wagering contest is the randomly generated result associated with the number of credits or chips won, or a threshold amount of credits or chips. The preset criteria for determining a non-winning outcome of the secondary wagering contest may be the failure of the outcome data to satisfy the preset criteria for a winning or partial winning outcome.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned method further comprises the step of actuating the primary wagering game on each identified eligible computing device.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a system comprising: a computing device including a display device and communication interface enabling communication within a network including other computing devices and a secondary contest controller, wherein the computing device is operatively associated with a processor for facilitating play of a primary wagering game; the secondary contest controller facilitating the displaying of a secondary contest notification on the display device of each computing device in the network prior to the actuation of an instance of the primary wagering game, wherein the secondary contest notification provides information relating to an opportunity to enter a wager in a secondary contest through the communication interface, wherein the controller includes a communication interface and a processor for: receiving data relating to the entry of a secondary contest wager identifying the computing device from which the data is received; receiving outcome data relating to a subsequent instance of the primary wagering game actuated at each computing device of the identified eligible computing devices, wherein the outcome data includes a randomly generated result in the primary wagering game for each identified eligible computing device; comparing the randomly generated result for each identified eligible computing device with a preset criteria for determining an outcome of the secondary wagering contest, wherein the outcome is one of a winning outcome or a non-winning outcome for one or more identified eligible computing devices; responsive to the satisfaction of the preset criteria for a winning or partial winning outcome, displaying an award notification on the display device of the one or more identified eligible computing devices satisfying the preset criteria for the winning outcome of an awarding of at least a portion of the secondary contest wagers received; and responsive to the satisfaction of the preset criteria for a non-winning outcome, retrieving one or more subsequent instances of the primary wagering game actuated at each computing device of the identified eligible computing devices for comparison with the preset criteria. In some embodiments, the computing device is an electronic gaming machine. The computing device may be operatively associated with the processor of the controller.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for providing a secondary contest operated by a secondary contest controller to include a plurality of players involved in the play of a primary wagering game on one or more computing devices, each computing device including a display device and communication interface, the method comprising the steps of: a) transmitting content for display on the display device of each computing device in the network prior to the actuation of an instance of the primary wagering game, wherein the content includes a secondary contest notification relating to an opportunity to enter a wager in a secondary contest through the computing device; b) receiving data relating to the entry of a secondary contest wager identifying the computing device from which the data is received; c) retrieving outcome data relating to a subsequent instance of the primary wagering game actuated at each computing device of the identified eligible computing devices, wherein the outcome data includes a randomly generated result in the primary wagering game for each identified eligible computing device; d) comparing the randomly generated result for each identified eligible computing device with a preset criteria for determining an outcome of the secondary wagering contest, wherein the outcome is one of a winning, partial winning or a non-winning outcome for one or more identified eligible computing devices; e) responsive to the satisfaction of the preset criteria for a winning or partial winning outcome, transmitting content for display on the display device of the one or more identified eligible computing devices satisfying the preset criteria for the winning outcome including information relating to an awarding of at least a portion of the secondary contest wagers received; and f) responsive to the satisfaction of the preset criteria for a non-winning outcome, repeating steps c) through f) for the one or more identified eligible computing devices satisfying the preset criteria for the non-winning outcome.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and systems for providing a secondary contest involving a plurality of players, each player playing a primary wagering game in which a live dealer emulates a primary gaming controller and some aspects of a secondary game controller using an input device to capture primary game activities such as wagers placed, cards dealt, rolls of the dice, poker rankings and credits or chips won into one or more computing devices. A display associated with the secondary game controller notifies players of a preset time period for entering a wager in a secondary contest; using a data input device the dealer enters data related to receiving a secondary contest wager from one or more players during the preset time period into one or more computers, The secondary game controller adding those secondary wagers to a game specific pari-mutuel pool; the dealer actuating an instance of the primary game upon the expiration of the preset time period for the one or more secondary contest players; the secondary game controller comparing the resulting outcome of the primary game for each secondary contest player, wherein each of the resulting outcomes is associated with cards dealt, a roll of the dice, a poker ranking or a number of chips won and awarding participant players portions of the pari-mutuel pool based on winning or partial winning outcomes by printing payment “Chits” that can be redeemed for cash, these “Chits” are then distributed by the dealer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary system for allowing a player to play a primary game and a secondary contest via a user computing device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is schematic view of a gaming controller that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 for allowing a player to play a primary game and secondary game via a user computing device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4-14 are exemplary graphical user interfaces or displays of a primary game and secondary contest that may be used with the method shown in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of exemplary game flows in which the primary game is a traditional fixed-odds, house-banked Blackjack game and the secondary game is a pari-mutuel equivalent; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of an exemplary system for allowing a plurality of players to play a primary game on a plurality of game servers and a secondary contest via a plurality of user computing devices.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a system for providing a game calculator device for use with a manually dealt table game, according to a first secondary aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 18-21 are graphic representations of a table game, virtual win meters, and a game input mechanism according to an embodiment of the first secondary aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a system that allows one or more users to connect to one or more target devices using one or more network connected devices, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a system that allows a single user to connect to a plurality of target devices using a network connected device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a system that allows a plurality of users to connect to a target device using respective network connected devices, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a system that allows a plurality of users to connect to a plurality of target devices using a plurality of network connected devices, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an exemplary Pari-mutuel Baccarat pay table, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an exemplary table game configuration with multiple tables, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a second exemplary Pari-mutuel Baccarat pay table, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is an exemplary Pari-mutuel Baccarat side bet pay table, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a table containing a number of sample game results comparing traditional Class III Blackjack game payouts with volatility controlled payouts.

FIGS. 31A-31C present a sample game flow where the proposed scenario is implemented as an approvable Class II cash tournament.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram of a system for providing an automated single session pari-mutuel tournament for a house-banked table games, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33A-33C are a flow diagrams associated with the system of FIG. 32, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is an exemplary screen shot of a dealer tablet of the system of FIG. 32, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is an exemplary screen shot of a player table of the system of FIG. 32, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram of a system for providing an automated single session pari-mutuel tournament for a house-banked table games, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37A-37C are a flow diagrams associated with the system of FIG. 36, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is an exemplary screen shot of a dealer tablet of the system of FIG. 36, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is an exemplary screen shot of a player table of the system of FIG. 36, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The exemplary embodiments herein relate to various systems and methods used in gaming applications. It should be understood that each of the methods and individual steps recited herein may be partially or wholly carried out in a variety of ways and/or systems, which may include, but are not limited to, an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) for use by one or more players, a multiplayer platform which may include a player interface such as a touchscreen display and involve physical or virtual game symbols, a home computer and/or portable computing device, such as a tablet computer or mobile phone capable of communicating with a network or over the Internet, global telecommunication network or world wide web.

It should further be understood that the invention is directed to, among other things, methods of providing, conducting and resolving wagering games that include a sequence of controlled and concrete transformative events. Some of these events may involve communications between computing components, establishing the eligibility of such computing components based on location and game specific rules, indication preferences, placing wagers, debiting and awarding credits stored in an account, the generation or interpretation of random data and results for one or more players, the application of randomly-generated data to predefined rules, the ranking of results relative to all players in a game, the pooling of all wagers placed, the determination of wager outcomes in accordance with preset outcome determining criteria, and the notification of such outcomes along with the designation of a portion of the wager pool as a commission for the operator or game provider. The generation of random data may be facilitated by computerized and/or physical implements, such as a random number generator (“RNG”) or a cards dealt, a roll of the dice or credits/chips awarded. The transformative events may also include parsing of the data for comparative purposes with preset criteria to determine an outcome in a second, bonus or associated wagering game.

A selected embodiment of the invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiment of the invention is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the system 10, according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes a server system 12 that is coupled to one or more user computing devices 14. Each user computing device 14 is configured to transmit and receive data to and/or from the server system 12 to display a primary game 15 and graphical interfaces 18 (such as those shown in FIGS. 4-14) to enable a user to participate in both instances of the primary game 15, which may involve the player competing against a paytable in a game operated by a processing device, such as for example, a draw poker game, and instances of a secondary contest 16 in which the result in the primary game 15 is compared with a preset criteria to determine a winning or non-winning outcome. For example, the preset criteria may be the result in one or more instances of the primary game 15, such as a poker rank achieved, credits won over one or more games, game score, the appearance of symbols or patterns, achieving certain hands, such as losing hands, consecutive losing outcomes or hands, consecutive winning outcomes or hands, reaching a threshold after tracking players such as on a leader board, reaching a threshold based on credits earned or games played, such as a prize zone, which is then used to compare against similar results from other players playing the primary game 15 on their own computing device 14. The status of the player relative to reaching a threshold may be visualized on a display screen in any manner, such as a rising bar on a bar graph or a needle on a dial completing a circle, for example.

In some embodiments, the reaching of a threshold, based on a score, credits earned or games played for example, will entitle the player having reached the threshold to entrance into one or more prize zones, wherein each prize zone may be associated with an additional bonus prize awarded to the player. In some embodiments, reaching certain thresholds for prize zones or other awards may be based on and achieved by more than one player involved in the secondary contest 16, such as all or a portion of the players in the secondary contest 16 having played in a certain amount of games, achieving a score which is the sum of their combined scores, credits, poker ranks or winning hands or other results taken from the primary wagering game 15. The players' scores relative to the threshold may be tracked on a leader board which may be displayed on a display device associated with the computing device 14 or an independent display device. In some embodiments, the opportunity to reach thresholds may be reset upon the occurrence of certain events, such as reaching a particular threshold for a prize or should a player fail to enter the secondary contest 16. Alternatively, the scores or points added due to the departing player from the secondary contest 16 may be deducted from the remaining players cumulative score applied towards reaching a threshold.

In the illustrated embodiment, the server system 12 is coupled to each user computing device 14 via a communications link 20 that enables each user computing device 14 to access server system 12 over a network 22 such as, for example, a local network, the Internet, a cellular telecommunications network 24, a wireless network and/or any suitable telecommunication network that enables the user computing devices 14 to access the server system 12. For example, in one embodiment, user computing devices 14 may include a gaming machine 25, a mobile computing device 26 and a smartphone 28. Computing device 14 may communicate with server system 12 via a local network, while mobile computing device 26 and smartphone 28 communicate with the server system 12 via the cellular telecommunications network 24 and/or the Internet, for purposes of facilitating play of the primary game 15 and/or one or more instances of the secondary contest 16 among a wide range of players at the same time. In another embodiment, the user computing device 14 may include a personal computer, laptop, cell phone, tablet computer, smartphone/tablet computer hybrid, personal data assistant, and/or any suitable computing device that enables a user to connect to or communicate with the server system 12 and display the graphical interfaces 18 for purposes of facilitating instances of the secondary contest 16 while players may also be engaging in play of a primary wagering game 15 apart from the secondary contest 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, each user computing device 14 generally includes a controller 30 that is coupled to a display device 32 and a user input device 34. The controller 30 may include a processor, memory and database. Controller 30 receives and transmits information to and from the server system 12 for enabling the display and interaction between a player during play of a primary game 15, as well as facilitating the play of the secondary contest 16, and the graphical interfaces 18 (shown in FIGS. 4-14) on the display device 32 to enable the user to interact with the server system 12 to enter into and play the secondary contest 16 in accordance with the embodiments described herein. Controller 30 may include a random number generator for generating random results in instances of the primary wagering game 15.

The display device 32 may include and consist of, without limitation, a flat panel display, such as a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a plasma display, and/or any suitable visual output device capable of displaying graphical data and/or text to a user. Moreover, the user input device 34 may include and consist of, without limitation, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch-sensitive screen, a scroll wheel, a pointing device, a barcode reader, a magnetic card reader, a radio frequency identification (RFID) card reader, an audio input device employing speech-recognition software, and/or any suitable device that enables a user to input data, such as making selections and placing wagers, into the controller 30 and/or to retrieve data from the controller 30. Alternatively, a single component, such as a touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, and/or a touchless screen, may function as both the display device 32 and as the user input device 34.

In the illustrated embodiment, the server system 12 includes a gaming controller 36, a communications server 38, a player account server 40, a database server 42 and a database 44. The servers 38, 40, and 42, gaming controller 36, and database 44 are connected through a network 46 such as, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems, wireless modems, and/or special high-speed Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines. Moreover, at least one administrator workstation 48 may also be connected to the network 46 to enable communication with the server system 12. The communications server 38 communicates with the user computing devices 14 and the administrator workstation 48 to facilitate transmitting data over the network 22 via a private network, the Internet and/or the cellular network 24, respectively.

The database server 42 is connected to the database 44 to facilitate transmitting data to and from the database 44. The database 44 contains information relating to a variety of matters, such as, for example, account information related to a user, user profile information, a primary game type, a number of game symbols such as card representations associated with a game, a number of game outcomes, a payout value associated with each game outcome, wagers, wager amounts, wager types, average wagers per game or contest, and image data for producing game or contest images and/or screens on the user computing device 14 and temporarily stores variables, parameters, and the like that are used by the gaming controller 36 for enabling play of a secondary contest 16. In one embodiment, the database 44 includes a centralized database that is stored on the server system 12 and is accessed directly via the user computing devices 14. In an alternative embodiment, the database 44 is stored remotely from the server system 12 and may be non-centralized.

The gaming controller 36 includes a processor 50 and a memory device 52 that is coupled to the processor 50. The memory device 52 includes a computer readable medium, such as, without limitation, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a diskette, a flash drive, a compact disc, a digital video disc, and/or any suitable device that enables the processor 50 to store, retrieve, and/or execute instructions and/or data. Controller 36 may be further connected to a computer system 54 for administrative and backend support, among other things.

The processor 50 executes various programs, and thereby controls other components of the server system 12 and the user computing device 14 according to user instructions and data received from the user computing devices 14. The processor 50 in particular displays some or all of the graphical interfaces 18 (shown in FIGS. 4-14), may operate the primary game 15, but is involved in executing a secondary contest program, and thereby enables the system 10 to generate instances of the secondary contest 16 along with the primary game 15. For example, the system 10 may be enabled to query users of each computing device 14 while playing the primary game 15 as to whether they would like to enter into an instance of the secondary contest 16, and thereafter allow users or players to enter wagers in an instance of the secondary contest 16, and apply the outcome data of the primary game 15, which may include randomly generated results, to the outcome data in the primary games 15 of other players also competing in the same instance of the secondary contest 16, to determine a winner of the instance of the secondary contest based on a comparison of the respective outcome data of all players involved with a preset criteria for winning. In some embodiments, if the preset criteria for winning is not satisfied, then the outcome of the secondary contest 16 is non-winning, which may include a tie occurrence between one or more players, and the players will be automatically entered into a subsequent instance of the primary wagering game 15. The computing device 14 from which the results that satisfied the preset criteria for winning were received may receive a notification of the winning outcome in the secondary contest 16.

The memory device 52 stores programs and information used by the processor 50. Moreover, the memory device 52 stores and retrieves information in the database 44 including, but not limited to, image data for producing images and/or screens on the display device 32, and temporarily stores variables, parameters, and the like that are used by the processor 50.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller 36 is configured for actuating and administering multiple instances of the secondary contest 16 on computing devices 14. Instances of the secondary contest 16 may be actuated periodically or at preset timing intervals, such that players may be offered the opportunity to enter into the secondary contest 16 after each outcome of the primary game 15 and before beginning a new instance of the primary game 15. Each user of a computing device 14 may be queried through display device 32 as to whether they would like to enter into one or more of the currently available instances of the secondary contests 16. Entry into an instance of the secondary contest 16 may be accomplished by receiving or detecting a player selection to place a wager in response to the query displayed on display device 32 in a currently available instance of the secondary contest 16 through input device 34. In some embodiments, instances of the secondary contest 16 are made available to users of the computing devices 14 for a limited period of time prior to actuating an instance of the primary game 15, which may be enabled by controller 30, and then a new instance of the secondary contest 16 is made available after the period of time has ended or after the primary game 15 is completed. In some embodiments, the query and time periods are uniformly provided throughout all computing devices 14 connected with network 22. Thus, any players entering into the secondary contest 16 during the same time period from any computing device 14 connected through network 22 would be entered into the same instance of the secondary contest 16. Alternatively, gaming controller 36 may enable players to play in the same or different instances of secondary contests 16 through the user computing devices 14. In some embodiments, once it is detected that a player wishes to enter into a secondary contest 16, such as by placing a secondary contest wager, the instance of the secondary contest in which the player will be entered is dependent on the point in time upon which the outcome in the primary game 15 is determined.

In some embodiments, the player account server 40 stores information associated with a plurality of user profile accounts and a plurality of corresponding unique user identifiers in a user profile program 56 in the database 44 in order to facilitate player identity and play of the secondary contest 16. Each user profile account may also include financial account information associated with each user. The financial account information may include information relating to an amount of game credits available for use in playing games and/or any suitable financial information that enables the system 10 to function as described herein.

In the embodiment discussed herein, gaming controller 36 further includes or is in communication with a display module 58, a random-number generator (RNG) module 60, a credit module 62, a betting module 64, a game module 66, and an award module 68, for providing instances of a primary wagering game 15, particularly with regard to computing devices 14 other than electronic gaming machines that use controller 30, such as thin client platforms or mobile platforms for example. Thus, system 10 is capable of extending the primary game 15 and the secondary contest 16 to larger groups of players, among other things.

The display module 58 controls the display device 32 to display various images on the graphical interface 18 preferably by using computer graphics and/or image data stored in the database 44. More specifically, the display module 58 controls the symbols being displayed in a primary wagering game 15 or secondary contest 16, such as for example, virtual representations of playing cards on the display device 32 or another display device by using computer graphics and/or the image data. In one embodiment, the display module 58 is configured to display a query or statement inviting a user of a computing device 14 to enter into an instance of a secondary contest 16 within a preset period of time. For example, the display module 58 may display the primary game 15 including a game display area 70 and a statement or query 72 notifying players of the opportunity to place a wager in a secondary contest 16 within a time period, including a timer counting down the remaining time available for a player to place a wager to be involved in the secondary contest 16. Gaming controller 36 may also provide additional statements and progress updates on display device 32 or another display device as the countdown to entry continues and the instance of the secondary contest 16 develops. Player outcome data in the primary game 15 for players involved in the secondary contest 16 may be displayed on the display device 32 or other display device for all players to see. In other words, as game controller 36 receives outcome data through randomly generated results and/or player decisions in the primary game 15 for each player involved in secondary contest 16, this information may be communicated to all players involved in secondary contest 16.

The credit module 62 communicates with the player account server 40 to manage the amount of player's credits available for use in playing the secondary contest 16. The credit module 62 receives a user selection indicative of a request from a user computing device 14 to place wagers in the secondary contest 16, including an amount of game credits associated with each wager, if appropriate, and deliver credits to the computing device 14 of the player having won an instance of the secondary contest 16.

The game module 66 includes a game program for use in playing the secondary contest 16 based on user selection input receive from a user computing device 14. The game module 66 receives game information in the primary game 15 and performs various functions and calculations to play the secondary contest 16. Game module 66 compares the game outcome data received in the primary game 15, such as the final hand rank in the primary game 15, with the final hand rank achieved by any other players in the secondary contest 16 to determine a winning hand.

In some embodiments, the game module may also provide a primary game 15 on a computing device 14, particularly with regard to the computing devices 14 other than electronic gaming machines that use controller 30 to provide the primary wagering game 15. Alternatively, another random number generator or game module may be used. For these types of computing devices 14, the game module 66 retrieves game elements from the database 44 and causes the display module 58 to display the primary game 15 on the display device 32. The game module 66 receives signals indicative of user selection input via the user input device 34 and generates an outcome of the primary game 15 based on the predetermined game rules and the received user selection input, and displays the game outcome on the display device 32. In such embodiments, a RNG module 60 generates and outputs random numbers to the game module 66 for use in playing the primary game 15. In addition, the game module 66 may use random numbers generated by the RNG module 60 to determine if a winning condition has occurred in the outcome of the primary game 15, and to determine whether or not to provide an award to a player. For example, if the game is the poker-type game 16, the game module 66 uses the RNG module 60 to randomly select one or more virtual representations of playing cards. The game module 66 compares the randomly selected cards with a paytable to determine the payout amount, if any, in the instance of the primary game 15.

It should be understood that the game outcome data may include any information relating to the wager determining result for the primary game 15, such as for example, the final hand condition or rank in a poker game, the numerical score of a blackjack or hand in a baccarat game, dice roll result in craps, roulette result determined by the ball, etc., which would be used for comparative purposes in the secondary contest 16. In other embodiments, the primary game 15 may be a slot game and the game outcome data for determining the outcome of the wager in the secondary contest 16 may be based on the results of one or more slot games, such as the amount won. In some embodiments, a leaderboard may be used to track results of the primary game 15 for comparative purposes in a secondary contest 16 relative to the scores of other players.

In the illustrated embodiment, the betting module 64 receives a user selection input from the input device 34 indicative of a wager being placed by the player on an instance of the secondary contest 16 and may display a notification indicative of the player's selection on the graphical interface 18. In addition, the betting module 64 transmits the player's selection to the game module 66 so that module 66 may apply the game outcome data from the subsequent instance of the primary game 15 in the instance of the secondary contest 16, particularly for any computing devices 14 that rely on module 66 for providing the primary wagering game 15. Betting module 64 may also store each wager associated with the primary game 15 and secondary contest 16. In some embodiments, players are permitted to buy into further rounds of the secondary game 16

Each instance of the primary game 15 is generally played in a conventional manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the game module 66 determines an outcome of the instance of the primary game 15 for any computing device 14 relying on module 66 and an outcome for the instance of the secondary game 16 for all computing devices 14. The award module 68 awards a payout in the primary game 15 for any computing device 14 relying on module 66 and a payout in the secondary contest 16, if appropriate. The payout in the secondary contest 16 may be a portion or all of a pool of all wagers received in instance of the secondary contest 16. A commission for the operator may be subtracted from the pool of wagers upon payout of the wagers in any instance of the secondary contest 16.

Should game module 66 determine a tie outcome has occurred in the instance of the secondary contest 16, system 10 may automatically enter or offer entry to a new instance of the secondary contest 16 to the players having the tying game outcome data, which may or may not require receipt of an additional secondary contest wager and/or primary game wager from the computing device 14 associated with the tying players. Alternatively, the wagers received in the secondary contest 16 may be divided amongst the players having the highest ranked tying hands.

In some embodiments, a qualifying criteria must be met in order to win the secondary contest 16. If the qualifying criteria is not satisfied, the players involved in the instance of the secondary contest 16 may be automatically entered or offered entry to a new instance of the secondary contest 16, which may or may not require receipt of an additional secondary contest wager and/or primary game wager. In some embodiments, the qualifying criteria relates to the outcome data, such as achieving a hand rank of at least a preset poker ranking.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method 100 that may be used with the system 10 for allowing a player to play a game via a user computing device 14. Each method step may be performed independently of, or in combination with, other method steps. Portions of the method 200 may be performed by any one of, or any combination of, the components of the system 10. Player selections involved in method 100 may be received via the user input device 34 of the user computing device 14 and may be transmitted by the user computing device 14 to the server system 12 via the network 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, in the method step 102, the gaming controller 36 transmits a query invitation on display device 32 to the user computing device 14 relating to placing a wager in the secondary contest 16. As discussed above, entering into the instance of the secondary contest 16 may be time-sensitive. If system 10 receives a wager in step 104, then it will be added to a pool of wagers in step 106 for the instance of the secondary contest 16. The primary game 15 is actuated and the game outcome data for each player in the secondary contest 16 is compared in step 108. If there is a winner, such as the highest ranking poker hand amongst all players in the instance of the secondary contest 16, then the winning player is identified by system 10 and credited at their user computing device 14 with a payout award from the wager pool accordingly. If there is no winner, which may be the result of a tie or failure to satisfy some qualifying criteria, then in this embodiment, then one or more playoffs occur in which another primary game is actuated for each of the players and the results of the primary game 15 are compared for purposes of resolving the secondary contest 16 until a winner is determined.

In some embodiments, wagers are made from points or virtual currency achieved which may or may not be exchanged for real money, and awards may also be provided as virtual currency or real money, for the primary game and/or secondary contest. In some embodiments, no wager is required for the primary wagering game 15 and a wager is required for the secondary contest 16 only.

FIG. 4-14 illustrate exemplary interfaces showing a primary game 15 of draw poker which may be provided on the display 200, which may comprise all or a portion of display 32 of any computing device 14. In this embodiment, display 200 is a touchscreen display, thus including data input capability. Interface 202 shows a draw poker session as having ended. In interface 204, a notification 72 is displayed on display 200 indicating that a “bonus,” which is the name given to the secondary contest 16 in this embodiment, may be entered into by the player and a countdown timer of thirty seconds is displayed as part of notification 72. In this embodiment, players may enter a wager to participate in an instance of the secondary contest 16 by touching the display 32 at the location of notification 72. Interface 206 shows the participants in the instance of the secondary contest 16 may be shown on display 32, which may be limited to include only those players involved locally or within certain regions. Interface 206, and other interfaces which provide secondary contest 16 details and results, such as interfaces 208, 214, 218, and 220, discussed further below, may be shown on a display 200 or a portion thereof, or alternatively on a separate display device. Interface 208 shows some initial results of game play occurring at computing devices 14, including the hands of cards dealt in the primary game 15 to each player in the secondary contest 16. For example, the computing device 14 identified as “machine 3” is shown as having been dealt a Jack of spades, Seven of hearts, Three of hearts, Seven of hearts and King of clubs. The display device 32 for this player may look as shown in interface 210. Interface 212 illustrates the player decision to hold the Sevens and discard the remaining cards in their hand in the primary wagering game 15. Interface 214 shows the decision making of some or all of the players in the secondary contest 16, including the decisions to hold the Sevens made by the player at machine 3. Interface 216 shows the results on the computing device 14 at machine 3 in the primary game 15, which reveals that the player was dealt a Seven of clubs, Queen of diamonds, and Queen of hearts to their hand, ranking as a full house in the primary wagering game 15. The game outcome data for the player at machine 3 therefore is a full house rank as shown in interface 218 compared with the game outcome data for others involved in this instance of the secondary contest 16, which is expressed as poker ranks, such as “pair of Jacks” for machine 2 and “no hand” for machine 4. Gaming controller 36 compares the hands and determines the winner, which may be displayed as shown in interface 220. Gaming controller 36 determines the award which may include all of the wagers placed in this instance of the secondary contest 16 minus a commission or rake, and displays the awards as credits in this embodiment as shown in interface 222. Interface 222 also shows the results of the primary wagering game 15 in the notification 73 and the total win based on the results of the primary wagering game and secondary contest, expressed as credits.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart representing a method for players participating in a primary traditional blackjack game where they play against the house for fixed odds in a house banked game. A secondary game is a pari-mutuel equivalent where players play against each other for shares of a pari-mutuel prize pool. As shown in flowchart 1500 of FIG. 15, a player elects to start play in either or both of a primary game flow 1505 and a secondary game flow 1510. For either or both, the player buys into the game session by placing wager(s) at step 1515. For pari-mutuel wagers on the secondary game, the wager amount is added to the pari-mutuel pool at step 1520. A waiting loop is then entered during which other players may enter the game at step 1525. As soon as all players have entered, or a time-out occurs, the cards are dealt at step 1530.

Play of the game continues with intra-game wagering activity such as splits and double down actions by the players at step 1535. For any such actions, wagers are placed at step 1540 and wagers are added to the pari-mutuel pool for wagers on the secondary game at step 1545. After completion of wager activity, the game play is completed at step 1550 by remaining cards being dealt and resolving game play for each player. It is determined whether a player busted or otherwise lost to the house at step 1555. If so, the player loses the wager in the primary game 15 as reflected in step 1560, or is awarded 0 shares of the pari-mutuel pool for the secondary game 16 at step 1565. If the player did not bust or lose to the house, it is determined whether the player achieved a push or tie with the house at step 1570. In the case of a tie with the house in the primary game 15, the player retains their wager at step 1575 while in the secondary game, the player is awarded 1 share of the pari-mutuel pool at step 1580.

If the player beats the house at step 1585 in the primary game 15, the player retains the original wager and wins an award that is typically amount equal to the wager at step 1590. If the player beats the house at step 1585 in the secondary game 16, the player is awarded 2 pari-mutuel shares at step 1595. Finally, it is determined whether the player achieved blackjack or 21 at step 1600. If so, the player retains the original wager and wins an amount that is typically equal to 1.5 times their wager for the primary game in step 1605. Or, the player is awarded 3 pool shares of the pari-mutuel pool for a secondary game blackjack or 21 in the secondary game at step 1610. Flowchart 1500 loops back to step 1550 to resolve each player independently at step 1615. Lastly, the amount of each share is determined for the pari-mutuel pool in the secondary game at step 1620 depending on the number of shares awarded during the payout process. The game ends at step 1625.

It should be understood that the player awards described for different wins is intended to be representative only. The actual payout for a win or a blackjack may be set as desired by the game developer or operator.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of an expanded system 1630 that is similar to system 10 of FIG. 1 with a number of additional components. In this expanded embodiment, system 1630 includes multiple gaming control server's 12 a-d. Each gaming control server 12 has associated device eligibility rules 1635 in communication server 38 such that connectivity of user computing devices 14 a-d with a plurality of corresponding gaming control servers 12 a-d is governed by the corresponding communications server 38 based on a device eligibility rule set 1635. The rule set may, for example, include the user computing device location, game specific player quota criteria and/or other device eligibility criteria. A random number generator module 1645 in gaming control server 12 includes a random number generator (RNG) 1650 and an external random event interpolator 1655. RNG module 1645 outputs random event data to gaming controller 36 that is used by gaming controller 36 to provide game outcomes.

RNG module 1645 operates to produce random numbers using RNG 1650 or by interpolating random events input to external random event interpolator 1655. The external random events are produced and input to external random event interpolator 1655. Production of external random events may come from any number of different alternative sources including, but not limited to a slot machine or other electronic gaming device or machine (EGM) 1660, a networked central determination game server 1665, a blackjack table with RFID chip reader and a smart shoe 1670, a bingo ball draw or other physical randomizer device 1675 with a digital output, a lottery server 1680 or any other method or device configured to provide random or pseudo-random event results as are known in the art. Once the event occurs, it is input in electronic or digital form to a physical interface 1685 where relevant data is converted into a format compatible for interpolation by external random event interpolator 1655. Physical interface 1685 outputs a signal representing the random event to external random event interpolator 1655 of RNG module 1645.

In addition, a multi-touch, multi-position client device 1640 is shown. Multi-touch device 1640 represents a touch screen table or other electronic table or system that is configured to accommodate multiple players participating in primary games 15 and secondary games 16, and playing simultaneously against each other and/or the house. A remote display 1690 is connected to gaming controller 36. Remote display 1690 is used to display secondary contest 16 notifications to the gaming establishment patrons, the players and anyone else present who may or may not be participants in primary or secondary game contest activities.

Exemplary embodiments of a system and method of allowing a player to play and place wagers are described herein. It should be understood that there are a multitude of different combinations of wagering opportunities related to primary and secondary games. For example, the game play as depicted in flowchart 1500 of FIG. 15 allows a player to choose: (a) wagering in a primary game; (b) wagering in a secondary game; or (c) wagering in both a primary game and a secondary game at the same time. The primary and secondary games are described as blackjack games, but they may instead be poker games, bingo games, slot games or other game types.

In each different embodiment, a second game is offered in which the outcome is determined by the outcome data of a first game. The system and method are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the system and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the system may also be used in combination with other wagering systems and methods, and is not limited to practice with only the system as described herein. Rather, an exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other wagering applications.

System and Method for Providing Complex Payouts

First Secondary Aspect of the Present Invention

With reference FIG. 17, in a first secondary aspect of the present invention, the system 10 may provide a game calculator device 302 for use with a table game 304. The first secondary aspect provides systems and methods for providing a game calculator with associated electronic components and cumulative virtual “Win Meters” to manually dealt “Felt” table games to minimize dealer error, cut down on “chip” movement and provide definitive game results and rating information to game accounting and player tracking systems while allowing for more complex game variations and dealer calculations. The game calculator device 302 may be configured to facilitate game play and may be particularly applicable to facilitate wagering game play on physical tables, without limitation, on which live dealers 306 deal games using real cards, dice or wheels such as Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps or Roulette. The game calculator device 302 provides new wagering opportunities or ways to make games more appealing or efficient are always of interest to players and operators alike. The game calculator device 302 may be embodied within the server system 20, as discussed above, or may be embodied in a separate device located within or near the table game 304. The game calculator 302, as discussed, in more detail below, calculates virtual win meters 308, for each player. In general, the players may place wagers with real or physical chips, but any wins are accrued in, or by, the virtual win meters 308. The virtual win meters 308 may be displayed on or near the table game 304, but may also be displayed on a central remote display that is positioned or located away from the table game 304.

The game input mechanism 310 is configured to establish wager and other game-related activities or data and to send the established date to the game calculator device 302. The game input mechanism 310 may include any mechanism suitable for establishing such data, including, but not limited to: (1) chip read or identification devices or systems, (2) electronic wagering systems, and/or (3) dealer input systems (see below).

As discussed more fully below, in some embodiment, the game input mechanism 310 may include a touchscreen device in which the dealer enters player wager information, purchase of chips by each player, and other game related information.

In the field of manually dealt table games there have for a long time been initiatives to minimize or end the use of chips in much the same way that coin was over time removed from slot machines. Removing chips from tables would offer operators a number of benefits ranging from the actual cost of chips through the personnel and resources required to control, move, monitor, and reconcile such items. Since manually dealt table games are prone to dealer mistakes, fraud or even dealer/player collusion, removing chips and migrating instead to some form of electronic currency usually offers operators some form of secondary benefit related to being able to automate calculations and payouts and track and log player/dealer win/loss activity.

Often there are opportunities to create secondary wagering opportunities in the form of side bets or variable game odds that would appeal to players but are too hard to implement in the manual table arena as more complex win calculations are just too hard for dealers to deal with. For this reason, there are often electronic devices and computing systems associated with such game variants that are used to track related wagers and at times credit meters or displays located at each player seat to replace the use of traditional chips.

Often new game variants are deemed prohibitively complex to deploy on live dealer dealt tables because they necessitate the payout of fractional “Chips” or currency.

In some instances, efforts have been made to install electronic meters or displays and even “Ticket in/Ticket out” printers at each table seat. Often such measures are also not embraced because they exclude “Back Betting” and limit the number of players that can actively participate in wagering activity at a table and involve costly modifications to existing tables.

In some gaming jurisdictions particular types of wagering games are not permitted. In some of these instances, games that are “non-Banked” and in which players play against each other and in which the “House” does not have an opportunity to win are permitted and so creating contests where players share in pari-mutuel prize pools and the house merely takes a rake or charges a facilitation fee are a way to offer legitimate play of such wagering games that would otherwise be prohibited. Often the calculations associated with dividing up pari-mutuel pools are too complex for dealers and so such games are often not available.

In most instances, efforts to entirely remove chips from manually dealt tables have floundered because of the cost associated with implementing electronic alternatives as well as the reluctance of players to give up the tactile satisfaction of handling chips while gambling, instead there has been a trend toward electronic table games with virtualized dealers, cards and chips to facilitate the introduction of new game variants and wager types while for the most part, manually dealt traditional table games remain unchanged.

For the reasons described above and a number of others, a need exists to create a simple mechanism to facilitate complex dealer calculations and to virtualize complex chip or currency awards related to new more complex game variants, while not adding excessively expensive electronics and processes to manual tables or removing the traditional chips that players are accustomed to handle and use during table gameplay.

In the first secondary aspect of the invention, the system 10 is generally directed to systems and methods for adding a virtual win metering and game calculator system to manually deal table games to facilitate new or complex calculations required when game rules are modified to make games more interesting or to add new features to traditionally house banked table games without adding cost prohibitive electronics or removing physical chips completely from the table. Some embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and systems for facilitating pari-mutuel style prize pools on games while others are directed at new wagering options associated with placing side bets, linking play from multiple tables, paying progressive awards or playing games that have complex payouts.

Some embodiments of the invention are directed towards centrally, on a table by table basis, maintaining an aggregated record of credits/chips/currency won in relation to a nontraditional aspect of a game on a player by player basis and displaying the moving balance for each player in the form of a Virtual “Win Meter” 308 on a single, conveniently located, easily visible display in the form of a located at each table 304.

Some embodiments of the invention allow a dealer to dynamically create additional “Virtual Win’ meters 308, utilizing the game input mechanism 310, as needed when players are “Back Betting” or when there are not enough seats at a table to accommodate every player.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the game calculator device 302 is configured to round awards down to the closest whole “chip” or currency and a meter 308 is maintained to track the cumulative total of funds associated with rounding down so that they can be awarded to players or dealers based on some prescribed set of criteria. The game calculator 302 and the virtual win meters 308 may be applied to a variety of suitable table games, including, but not limited to manual Blackjack tables, manual Baccarat tables, manual Roulette tables, and other non-specific forms of live dealer dealt table games.

In some of the embodiments mentioned players are able to place bets using traditional chips but awards are calculated electronically and credited to each player's virtual “Win Meter” 308. Players have to request chips from the dealer when they are running low or need to leave the table, at which point the dealer is responsible for “decrementing or zeroing” the relevant virtual “Win Meter” 308, using the game input mechanism 310, associated with the player and paying the player chips or cash.

In some of the embodiments of the invention chips have been removed from tables completely and bets are placed by players using some form of digital currency managed by portable computing devices or cell phones.

In some embodiments of the invention the dealer is responsible for manually entering the details of each game played into a computing device, i.e., the game input mechanism 310, using a user interface. In other embodiment, the game details are tracked using electronic methods such as video cameras, “smart” shoes that track which cards are dealt, sensors in tables that detect where cards are dealt or chips are placed or in some instances combinations of all or some of the above mentioned scenarios.

With reference to FIGS. 17-21, a graphic representation of an exemplary system in which a traditional Felt Blackjack table 312 has been configured to support both traditional wagers and wagers placed in a pari-mutuel pool. Wagers are placed using conventional chips. The game input mechanism 310 includes a touch screen terminal 314. The dealer 306 utilizes the touch screen terminal 314 to input wagers and aspects of gameplay related to the pari-mutuel pool. The virtual win meters 308 are displayed on a customer display 316 located on or near the table 312 that is configured to show amongst other things a cumulative “Win Meter” for every seat at the table. Players are able to place wagers related to pari-mutuel gameplay as well as separately placing wagers in a concurrent fixed odds version of the game.

With specific reference to FIG. 19, the touch screen terminal 314 provides the dealer the option of inputting further aspects of pari-mutuel gameplay such as players “Splitting” via the touchscreen terminal. With specific reference to FIG. 20, players that placed wagers in the fixed odds game either lose their chips or are paid out by the dealer in chips as need be. Pari-mutuel wagers are cleared from the table. The dealer 306 is required to enter final game outcomes such as win, lose or Blackjack on a player by player basis using the touchscreen terminal 314 of the game input mechanism 310.

With specific reference to FIG. 21, the dealer 306 has updated and concluded gameplay by pressing the “End Game” button on the touchscreen terminal 314 and player win balances have been updated on the customer display 316 based on the outcome of the pari-mutuel game. The image shows cash-out buttons on the dealer terminal that would be activated in the event that a player elected to collect their winnings.

This written description uses examples to disclose the first secondary aspect of the present invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. It should be understood that the proposed method of applying virtual “Win Meters” and a customized game calculator could be applied to any manual table game.

Second Secondary Aspect of the Present Invention

With reference to FIGS. 22-29, in a second secondary aspect of the present invention, the system 10 is configured to allow players (or users) 402 to access one or more target device(s) 404, such as a table game or electronic table game 406 through a central or game server 408 utilizing one or more network connected device(s) 410. In some embodiments of the invention, dealer activities and game details are published by the game server 408 and displayed on a variety of display devices associated with the network connected device(s) 410. Exemplary network connected devices 410 include, but is not limited to player(s)′ mobile computing device(s). In this embodiment tables are identified by Bluetooth beacons (not shown) and players are able to connect their portable computing devices 410 to specific tables 406 when they are within range of the beacons. Once player(s) are connected, the player(s) can assume a “virtual” seat at their selected table and can then interact with the table using controls provided by an application or user interface that is executed or presented on their mobile computing device 410. In one embodiment, the players can place wagers and can interact with the table game 406 and/or the dealer on a game being played on the table game 406 as a player and/or can place alternative or “back-end” wagers on the game being played.

In particular, the system and method are configured to connect: (1) a single user device or network connected device 410 to one or more target devices 404 through the server 408 over a network; (2) two or more user devices 410 to a single target device 410 through a server 408 over a network; and (3) multiple user devices 410 to multiple target devices 404 through a server 408 over a network. The user devices are typically any network connected devices (“NCDs”) 410 through which a user/player can access a network. The NCDs include, but are not limited to a personal computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, mobile phone, internet connected home video gaming system, portable gaming device, internet connected television system with browser or app capabilities or any other network connectable device through which a user can gain access to a network. The target devices 404 are typically interactive devices with which a user interacts in real-time or near real-time over the network such as electronic gaming devices including but not limited to slot machines, video games and electronic table games, interactive displays and home appliances. In different embodiments with NCDs 410 and target devices 404 configured in any particular way, the interaction among the users at the NCDs and the target devices is concurrent.

Each NCD 410 may be connected to a network 412 such as a local area network (“LAN”), an Ethernet network or the internet, among other network types. Using the network 4122, it is possible for a user to interact with the server 408, such as a web server that is either co-located or remotely located from the NCD 410. Using pre-loaded software in the form of an application (“app”) resident on the NCD 410 known as an app that is downloaded by the user, or using a browser or other general purpose access program, an NCD 410 operated by a user may communicate over the network 412 to transmit and receive information and instructions to accomplish a task. Such systems provide a platform for users to connect to a wide variety of web servers and websites across geographies.

The system 10 is configured to such that (1) a single user device 410 to be connected to one or more target devices 404 through a server 408 over a network 412; (2) two or more user devices 410 to be connected to a single target device 404 through a server 408 over a network 410; and (3) multiple users 402 accessing multiple target devices 404 concurrently, with two or more combinations of these activities being layered interactively.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. It is a system and method that provides a platform for connecting: (1) a single user NCD 410 to one or more target devices 404 through a server 408 over a network 410; (2) two or more user NCDs 410 to a single target device 404 through a server 408 over a network 412; and (3) multiple user NCDs 410 to multiple target devices 404 through a server 408 over a network 412.

Each server or other target device 404 includes a software controller (“SC”). The present invention views each web server, live dealer table or software controller (“SC”) 414. A SC 414 is assigned to each live dealer table or each virtual dealer (if such a configuration was required), as a separate “room” 416. The SC 414 partitions the room 416 by the number of NCDs 410 to allow unique concurrent interaction for an arbitrary number of users. Essentially, the server 408 creates a map by first partitioning the rooms 416, and then partitioning each room 416 on users. The server 408 then projects the local “room map” onto each SC 414, thereby creating a relationship between users and an allocated interaction on the SC 414. In this manner, it is also possible for each NCD 510 to have concurrent, unique interaction with multiple SCs 414.

In one embodiment, the system 10 is configured to enable the following process:

-   -   (1) the server 408 becomes aware of a given SC 414;     -   (2) the server 408 creates a new room 416 for each SC 414;     -   (3) each room 416 needs at least one input from an NCD 410 and         at least one output from an SC 414; and     -   (4) room requirements (security, NCD-SC interaction, etc.) may         be specified based on example.

From a high level, the server 408 may create a partitioning map which allows an arbitrary NCD 410 to have a unique interaction with a given SC 414 without blocking other NCDs 410 from also having unique interactions with the same SC at the same time.

It should be noted that a SC 414 may also be an NCD 410. Also, an NCD 410 may be input only or input and output while an SC 414 may be output only or input and output.

With reference to FIG. 23, in one embodiment a single user 402 with a single NCD 410A is connected to multiple target devices 402A, 404B . . . , 404N over a network 412 served by a web server 408 with the target devices 404A, 404B . . . , 404N partitioned in different rooms, 414A, 414B . . . , 414N.

With reference to FIG. 24, in one embodiment multiple users, User A, User B . . . , User N 402A, 402B . . . 4022N, having associated NCDs 410A, 410B . . . , 410N are connected to a single target device 404A over a network 412 served by a web server 408. The target device 404A is partitioned in a single room 416A with or by a single software controller 414A.

With reference to FIG. 25, in another embodiment multiple users, User A, User B . . . , User X, having associated NCDs, NCD A 410A, NCD B 410B . . . , and NCD N 410N are connected to multiple target devices Target Device A 404A, Target Device B 404B . . . , and Target Device N 404, over a network 412 concurrently, served by a web server 408. The target devices 404A, 404B . . . , 404N are partitioned in different rooms, Room A 414A, Room B 414B . . . , and Room N 404N, wherein the activities of each user interacting with multiple target devices and each target device interacting with multiple users are concurrent.

FIG. 26 shows a sample Pari-mutuel Baccarat pay table that shows how many pot shares can be won by a player for correctly selecting a specific winning combination.

FIG. 27 shows a sample table game configuration where there are multiple tables, configured with smart shoes, card and chip sensors, a controller and a dealer who is using a Tablet device to input game and player activities. A customer display shows players located at each table the status of each game while remote players are participating in gaming activities using mobile computing devices.

FIG. 28 shows a sample paytable of a complex version of Baccarat where players are able to wager on specific Player or Banker outcomes. Such a game would result in complex calculations and fractional chip payouts and would only become feasible if the table was managed using the described game calculator and Virtual Win Meters.

FIG. 29 shows a sample complex side bet game for Baccarat where players are able to wager on the future outcomes of a number of games. In this instance correctly predicting the Player/Banker combinations for 3 games would pay 7 times a players wager while 4 games would pay 14 times. Such a game would result in complex calculations and fractional chip payouts and would only become feasible if the table was managed using the described game calculator and Virtual Win Meters.

With reference to FIG. 22, and the exemplary systems shown in FIGS. 23-25, the system 10 includes a central server 408. The central server or server 408 enables an arbitrary networked computing device (NCD) 410 to interact in real-time or near real-time with one or more software controllers (SCs) 414 concurrently. Furthermore, if an NCD 410 is interacting with more than one SC 414, interaction on one SC 414 does not necessarily affect interaction on any other SC 414. The multiple interaction between an NCD 410 and one or more SCs 414 is referred to throughout this specification as super-concurrency. At a high level, the server 408 may assign each of the software controllers 414 to a node, which is referred there as a “room” 416.

The server 408 partitions the room(s) 416 with a number of NCDs 410 interacting with a corresponding SC 414 thereby allowing concurrent unique interaction for an arbitrary number of users in a room 416. Essentially, the server 408 creates a room map by first partitioning on the rooms 416, and then partitioning each room 416 based on users 402. The server 408 projects the local “room map” onto each SC 414 creating a bidirectional relationship between users and allocated interaction on the software controllers 414.

In FIG. 23, a single user 402A is shown using the NCD 410A to gain access to the server 1408 through network 1412. Further, the multiple software controllers 414A, 414B . . . , 414N are shown each connected to a respective target device 404A, 404B . . . , 404N.

In FIG. 24, an alternative system configuration is shown in which two or more users 402A, 402B . . . 404N, each with a corresponding NCD 410A, 410B . . . , 410N, are connected to concurrently interact with a single target device 404A over network 408 served by the central server 408. The target 404A is partitioned in node or room A 416. Operation of the system configuration of FIG. 24 is similar to that of FIG. 23 with multiple users 402 and a single target device 404A.

FIG. 25 shows a third alternative configuration in which multiple users 402A, 402B . . . , 402X, each with a corresponding NCD 410A, 410B . . . , 410N access multiple target devices 404A, 404B . . . , 404N concurrently. In this configuration, two or more combinations of user activities taking place in respective rooms, Room A 416A, Room B 416B . . . , Room N 416N, are layered interactively. Operation of the system configuration of FIG. 25 is similar to that of FIGS. 23 and 24 with multiple users 402 and multiple target devices 404.

Operation of system 10 will now be described. Initially, a software controller 414 establishes a connection with the central server 408 using, for example, an asynchronous, event-driven bi-directional communications channel (“AEBC”). The connection is typically one using known technology such as web sockets, ash sockets, or other methods which recreate this connectivity functionality; and relying on an authentication/authorization procedure to establish that the software controller 414 is acceptable to connect and interact with the server 408. Initial authentication by the SC 414 is attempted using a login process involving the sending of a token or information packet. If the server 408 receives the authentication token and accepts it, an AEBC will be established between the software controller SC 414 and the server 408. Otherwise, the server 408 refuses further communications from the SC 414. If the SC 414 is not output only (i.e., input and output), then the SC 115 will attempt authorization.

The server 408 will use an authorization system to validate information from the authentication token or information packet and assign permissions to the SC 414. Note, this may be global authorization (allowing for any interaction from the SC 414), or it may be interaction specific (each interaction requires separate authorization). As shown in the configurations of FIGS. 23-25, the authorization system may require a 3rd party back-end 420 to perform the authorization. If the server 408 accepts authorization, then the SC 414 may interact with the server 408 in the specified manner. Otherwise, the SC 414 will remain output-only if the authorization is global, or the SC 414 will refrain from the specified interaction if the authorization is interaction-specific. The server 408 assigns the SC 414 to a room 416 based on the authentication token/information packet. It may be the case that the server 408 will need to create this room. The logic and mechanism for determining room assignment and creation is largely example-specific. The server 408 actively monitors the SC 414 through the use of standard keep-alive technology (heartbeats, or something similar) in order to make sure that the SC 414 is still active and connected. The server 408 maintains a running menu of active rooms and active SCs 414 in each room 416. The conditions on this menu (whether it is visible to a given user, whether a given room or SC is private, etc.) are largely example specific.

Establishing the use of an NCD 410 on the network 412 to connect to the server 408 requires authentication/authorization as is the case with connection of the software controllers 414. Upon acceptance of an NCD 410, the server 408 will assign the particular NCD 410 to one or more target software controllers 414. The process of accepting an NCD 410 begins when an NCD 414 locates the server 408 (in most cases through the use of a website over network 412. The NCD 410 attempts initial authentication, typically, through a login process involving the sending of a token or information packet. If the server 408 receives the authentication token and accepts it, an AEBC will be established between the NCD 410 and the server 408. Otherwise, the server 105 will refuse further communication from the NCD 410. The NCD 410 may be either input only or input and output. In either case, the NCD 410 will attempt authorization. The server 105 uses an authorization system to validate information from the authentication token or information packet and assign permissions to the software controller 414. Note, this may be global authorization (allowing for any interaction from the SC 414), or it may be interaction specific (each interaction requires separate authorization). As shown in the different configurations of FIGS. 23-25, the authorization system may require a 3rd party back-end 420 as described above.

If the server 408 accepts authorization, then the NCD 410 may interact with the server 408 in the (specified) manner. Otherwise, the server 105 will notify the NCD 410 and the AEBC will be terminated in the case that the authorization is global. Or the NCD 110 will refrain from the specified interaction in the case that the authorization is interaction-specific. The server 408 actively monitors the NCD 410 through the use of standard keep-alive technology (heartbeats, or something similar) in order to make sure that the NCD 410 is still active and connected. The server 105 assigns the NCD 410 to a room 416 based on the authentication/authorization information and on the room and active SC menu. Note, the NCD 410 may play some part in choosing this assignment depending on implementation (choosing a particular poker in which to play, for example). The server 408, through the use of evaluation engines 418, facilitates interaction between the NCD 410 and a target SC 414 by room 416. In the majority of cases, each interaction is authorized before being evaluated and sent on to the SC 414.

There is a log out process for both the SC 414 and the NCD 410. A log-out communication is sent through the AEBC. Upon receipt, the server 408 terminates the session with the AEBC. In most cases, all information pertaining to the SC 414 or the NCD 410 will be cleared. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to keep some information in permanent memory of server 408.

There are a variety of applications for the system and method of the invention. One example is for use in multi-player interactive games conducted on system 100 where multiple payers are playing the same game at the same time with the potential to interact with each other. Among the many different approaches to offering such games, two examples are land-based multi-player games and web-based multi-player games. It should be understood that other approaches may also be used, but for purposes of simplicity, these two examples are presented.

In land-based multi-player games, the game is presented to the player (or user 402) in a game cabinet in an arcade, a casino or another venue for offering electronic games by an operator. When the user enters the establishment, player 402 approaches a desired electronic gaming machine (EGM) on the floor. This device is a “target device” 414 as described above with respect to FIGS. 22-25. The Player 125 402 access the EGM 414 using a website/app through an NCD 402 such as a cell phone, tablet, PC or other device. The player 402 establishes a connection between the NCD 410 and the server 408, and will consequently log in to EGM 414. In this case, the player 402 will likely have a gaming account containing such things as a wallet, a profile, and a list of preferences, among other things stored on the server 408. Upon successful authentication, the player 402 identifies a desired gaming machine 404 among those in the facility connected to server 408. This can be accomplished through a variety of means: typing in a location code found on the physical EGM 414; reading a QR code or some other code with the NCD 410 on the machine or presented on the display of the machine; geolocation; etc.

Upon successful identification of desired the target device of EGM 414, the NCD 410 is assigned to a proper room 416 with a corresponding SC 414 which controls desired the EGM 414. The player 402 then plays the game through server 408 and the associated evaluation engine 418 using the authorization system when necessary (when exchanging money, for example). Other players may come and go and log-in to the same machine, potentially interacting with the original player according to game rules and in appropriate circumstances. Upon completion of the game, the player 402 will log-out of the gaming system, potentially cashing-out in the process if the game is a for-wager gambling game.

In web-based multi-player games, the game is presented to the player (or user 402) over a network accessed through a website on any device including but not limited to a smartphone or other NCD described herein as well as other access devices such as a dedicated a hotel room TV system or another medium for accessing and playing games remotely over a network. The user will log in to the gaming system from an NCD in a home, hotel room, or some other location.

In this case, as in the land-based use case, a player 402 will likely have a gaming account containing such things as a wallet, a profile, and a list of preferences, among other things stored on server 408. If necessary, the player 402 will identify and log in an independent display as an SC 414. For a hotel room, the player 402 identifies the TV in his or her room either through the hotel gaming system with room ID, QR code, location code, geolocation, or some other method.

Upon successful authentication, the player 402 chooses a game that he or she would like to enter among a selection of games offered. Once an open game is selected, the player 402 is assigned to a room 416 containing the appropriate SCs 414 which control independent displays for each player 402. The independent displays are on the NCD or other device being used by the player 402 to play the game.

The player 402 plays the game through server 408 and the associated evaluation engine(s) 418 using the authorization system. Evaluation engine(s) 418 determine which SCs the player 402 will interact with as well as the method of interaction. The player 402 may play in multiple games (rooms) concurrently. Furthermore, play in one game will not necessarily affect play in any other game simultaneously in play. Note—this is the above defined notion of super concurrency. Upon completion of the gaming experience, the player 402 logs-out of the gaming system.

Other uses of the system and method will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the system can be used for control of a residential, commercial or industrial facility such as the heating system. In one application, the user would carry a NCD and would access the system to control the temperature to better accommodate the users preferences. It could also be used in a large factory setting in order to set safety preferences for a given user in a given “room” in which they are moving/operating. In this case, the networked mobile computing device might simply be a small enclosed chip that the person carries in a pocket or on a necklace.

Other uses include, but are not limited to an educational environment such as an interactive display at a museum, to interact with a ride at an amusement park, in the medical field for controlling medical devices servicing a patient or at a presentation where the SC might control a meeting room so that a presenter could control everything from lighting to a projector displaying a power point presentation on a screen through the use of an NCD.

System and Method for a Pari-Mutuel Tournament

In still another aspect of the present invention, the system 10 may be configured to provide a pari-mutuel tournament through which the volatility of “House Banked” gambling games, such as Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps and Roulette is controlled. Through control of the volatility of such games, the cash-flow risks associated with operating such games may be reduced, while at the same time offering the potential of winning larger awards relative to the size of their wagers for participating players. The invention is also applicable to other games such as video poker or Slot Games.

As described herein, the system 10 may also provide a method of adding new levels of social interaction and player dependencies into gambling games, such as wide area progressive for house banked (non-electronic or physical) table games. The system 10 may be used to convert traditional Class III gambling games into instant cash tournaments.

The methods described herein may be used to control the volatility of “House” operated gambling games, particularly, “house banked” table games such as Blackjack, Baccarat and Roulette by creating pari-mutuel style prize pools funded by participant players' wagers and awarding players' shares in the “prize pools” based on the outcomes of each gaming event. These methods may also be applied to any house banked gambling game such as slot machines, video poker, or in any situation in which traditional pay tables can be replaced with pari-mutuel style prizes funded by player wagers. Players play for prize pool shares that are driven by their game results, i.e., the player with the best winning result gets proportionally more than other winning players. Players with non-winning results win nothing.

There are risks associated with operating gambling games and that at times gambling game operators can face cash flow challenges for periods of time when players win more than they do. This challenge is common for operators of games that are highly volatile or have small house advantages such as traditionally “House Banked” table games such as Blackjack, Baccarat and Roulette. Hence there is a need for casino operators to find ways of minimizing the cash-flow risks associated with operating gambling games.

Historically one solution has been to introduce side bet opportunities such as “Insurance” with more beneficial house odds or by increasing the hold percentage of slot or lottery games. Players are often suspicious of such features or activities and are often unwilling to participate in them particularly if they influence players to change their basic game strategy. An ideal mechanism to address this need would be to allow players to play against each other as opposed to against the house as is common with the game of poker, where the house merely charges a fee to facilitate each game. Furthermore, if such fees were based on a percentage of total wagers the house would have the benefit of operating zero risk, fixed odds games.

At the same time, players are often frustrated by the level of volatility offered by gambling games, particularly games such as traditionally house banked games such as Blackjack, Baccarat and Roulette. In the example of Blackjack, players are accustomed to winning 1.5 times their wager as a top award for each game. Often players have the desire to put more or less at risk with each game event based on their gambling appetite. For example some players might prefer the opportunity of winning 2, 3 or more times their wager during each gaming event.

One way of satisfying both players and game operators would be to have players effectively play for shares of wager based prize pools instead of playing for fixed rewards associated with odds and “PayTables”.

For example, if a number of players were playing a game of blackjack each would make an opening wager which would be accrued to a game specific prize pool. The game operator might take a percentage of each wager or charge a fee to pay for facilitating the game; once the initial cards are dealt, players might choose to make additional wagers associated with wagering activities such as “Splitting” or “Doubling Down”. Once again the operator might claim fees or percentages of such wagers. The balance of these incremental wagers would likewise be accrued into the game specific prize pool.

To resolve the game each player would make selections such as “Standing”, or asking for more cards till they either achieve 21 or “Bust”. Finally, the dealer would deal their final cards and either be forced by game rules to “Stand”, or would on a player specific basis either win, draw, or lose. The outcome of the game would be that players would either “Win”, “Lose”, or “Draw”.

Traditionally players would at this point either forfeit their wager or be awarded amounts equal to or 1.5 (sometimes 2) times the amount of their wager based on whether they “Bust”, lost, drew or achieved “Blackjack”; and these awards would be distributed by the Dealer on behalf of the “House” (or in some Class II instances where players bank games, on their own behalf) and the awards would in no way contemplate other players that might have been involved in the game.

In the present invention, players would receive “Shares” in the prize pool based on their individual game outcomes, i.e., players that lost or “Bust” would receive zero, while players that “Drew” would each receive one share, players that beat the dealer with hands less than 21 would each receive two shares and players that got Blackjack would receive two and a half shares (or if applicable 3). The prize pool would then be divided amongst the winning players on a basis proportional to the number of prize pool shares held. In the event that that all the players either lost to the dealer or “Bust”, the cash balance would be rolled forward into the next game's prize pool, making the award potential in that game that much larger.

A table containing a number of sample game results comparing traditional Class III Blackjack game payouts with volatility controlled payouts according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 30.

In traditional house banked table games, players play against the house and there is little or no consequence attached to by other players to who wins and who loses. A secondary benefit of the proposed scenario is that players are directly impacted by the gaming results of other players, for example if 5 players were playing and 4 of them lost or bust, then the remaining player would win the entire pooled award, resulting in a more socially engaging game.

Wide Area Progressives for House Banked Table Games (without Wires)

In Traditional house banked table games, the odds providing the house advantage are often so small that they are a prohibitive factor to providing compelling progressively accrued awards. To compensate for this shortcoming, most traditional table game progressive bonusing products are funded by side or secondary wagers. Another benefit of the proposed scenario is the potential of offering large, rapidly accruing, progressive bonus awards without exposing the game operator to cash flow risks. Because game operators are able to set the house advantage, they are able to allocate portions of their fees to bonus events and accrued awards without exposing themselves to operating risk. One ideal implementation would be that the house takes 10% from every wager, keeping 50% of the fee to fund operations and allocating the balance to a progressive award. In some instances these progressive awards can be combined across tables and even in some instances across locations. A suitable triggering event such as a specific card sequence can be set to trigger the bonus award, for example Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5 all of the same suite. Thus the first player to be dealt a hand comprising the triggering card sequence would win the accrued progressive award.

Class II and III Tournaments

Traditionally House banked games are not generally considered to be Class II approvable games, in fact traditional Blackjack is specifically excluded from the Class II group of games. Pari-mutuel style tournaments in which players compete against each other for pooled prizes are however accepted in most Class II jurisdictions as eligible approvable games. Traditionally tournaments consist of sessions/games and rounds. For example, players enter a tournament and play through a predefined number of games/sessions to complete a round. At times winners from more than one round are invited to complete in play-offs for grand prizes. One of the most common differences between a traditional Blackjack Tournament and a class III blackjack game is that tournaments consist of multiple sessions or games and awards or prizes are only distributed after the tournament is complete.

The flow diagram in FIGS. 31A-31C, illustrates a sample game flow where the proposed scenario is implemented as an approvable Class II cash tournament. In this scenario a tournament consists of a single game/session and a cash prize is awarded on the conclusion of each game/session.

In this scenario players purchase tournament entry coupons (TEC) from the game operator. The coupons are used to enter specific tournament sessions and are used instead of cash or credits to carry out intra game wagering activities such as splitting or doubling down. Game operators offer cash prizes for each tournament session based on the number of TECs submitted by players. (In the event that there are progressive awards, these awards increment in real-time based on the number of TECs submitted to each game.) For example, if 7 TECs were submitted during a specific tournament session the tournament the tournament operator might offer a prize of $5×7 for the tournament session. Players are awarded prize pool shares (PPS) based on the result of each game. These PPSs are redeemed for cash at the end of each tournament session. PPSs are specific to each unique tournament session and prize pool and expire once the prize pool is dispersed amongst winning players. Prize money can then be used by players to instantly purchase more TECs. (See FIG. 2) In this fashion the gameflow is more in step with a traditional class III game of blackjack than with a Class II tournament.

Pari-Mutuel Baccarat

In the game of Baccarat players are used to placing wagers on whether the winning outcome of a dealt game will be Player, Banker or Tie. Traditionally in this game winning outcomes pay as follows:

-   -   Player 2×     -   Banker 1.95×     -   Tie 8×

And similarly to Blackjack, the house hold in the game is very low, usually below 1%. One way to make the game more interesting for players and also more lucrative for operators is to implement a tiered wagering model where wagers are placed not just on an outcome of player/banker or tie but on something more specific such as a “Player win with an outcome less than 9 or 8 or 7, etc.” each with a slightly different number of pari-mutuel pot shares.

The pari-mutuel (or “Player Pot”) tournaments may be configured to provide for single session pari-mutuel tournaments for tournaments for traditionally house-banked table games, such as Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Baccarat. The system can easily be deployed on traditional felt tables to offer both operators and players several advantages over traditional multi session tournaments and even in some instances over their Class III game equivalents. From the operator's perspective, single session pari-mutuel tournaments allow operators to set and control their house advantage:

-   -   Operators charge a fixed fee for tournament entries,     -   Operators contribute a fixed amount to each table/session's pot         per entry; i.e.     -   Entry=$11, Pot contribution=$10, House %=10,     -   Since tournament entry fees are fixed, card counting is not         relevant,     -   Single session tournaments keep cash in circulation and allow         churn, and     -   Pari-mutuel tournaments are Class II compliant

From the player's perspective:

-   -   Players can enjoy greater volatility than that offered by         traditional Blackjack without having to modify their game         strategies or place side-bets,     -   Players play against the dealer (who does not share in the Pot)         for shares of the pot and do not for fixed odds returns,     -   Since the house does not share in the Pot players are         effectively competing with each other for greater shares of the         pot and hence sessions are very socially engaging,     -   Single session tournaments pay awards at the end of every game         allowing players cash-flow convenience.

The general game flow is described below. Players can enter tournament sessions using entry coupons. Similar coupons may be used to enable intra game wagering actions such as splitting or doubling down. The house contributes a fixed cash amount to each session's “Prize” for every coupon used by the players. Sessions consist of a single game cycle. Dealers complete gameplay normally, but pay winners “Prize” share tokens instead of chips:

-   -   Loss=0 share tokens;     -   Draw=1 share tokens;     -   Win=2 share tokens; and,     -   Blackjack=3 share tokens.

When the session is concluded, the dealers total the number of tokens issued, and “Prizes” are divvyed up amongst players/entrants based on the number of tokens they were awarded. If all the players lose the Prize rolls over into the next session.

Blackjack tables are an ideal target for Player Pot tournaments. Blackjack Player Pot Tournaments may be provided automated or manual.

With reference to FIGS. 32-35, an automated Blackjack Player Pot Tournament embodiment is shown. The automated tournament solution comprises of a set of seat tablet devices 508, for use by users or players 502 that are tethered or positioned at player positions on existing tables. The dealer 506 is equipped with a similar tablet 510 as well as a TITO printer 512 connected to a table controller 504. A flow diagram of the operation of the automated tournament solution is shown in FIG. 33. In general, the players buy tournament entry tokens at the table by giving the dealer cash or cash equivalent. The dealer, using the dealer table 510 (see FIG. 34) transfers digital entry tokens to the credit meter on the tablet located at the player's seat. Players use the tablet touch screen to buy into sessions and perform intra-game wagering transactions (see FIG. 35). The tablets 508, 510 display tournament session and prize pool information. At the conclusion of each game prizes are credited to players' respective tablets 508. Players can cash out at any time and are either given cash or a TITO ticket by the dealer. Relevant Tournament data is logged by the table controller 504 and reports are available to the dealer as well as to back of house functions through an Admin Application.

With reference to FIGS. 36-39, a manual automated Blackjack Player Pot Tournament embodiment is shown. The manual tournament solution comprises of a set of seat tablet devices 608, for use by users or players 602 that are tethered or positioned at player positions on existing tables. The dealer 606 is equipped with a similar tablet 610 as well as a TITO printer 612 and a barcode scanner 614 connected to a table controller 504. The table may also be provided a drop box for receiving cash and tickets. A flow diagram of the operation of the automated tournament solution is shown in FIG. 37. In general, the players buy tournament entry tokens at the table by giving the dealer cash or cash equivalent. The dealer, using the dealer table 610 (see FIG. 38) transfers digital entry tokens to the credit meter on the tablet located at the player's seat. Players use the tablet touch screen to buy into sessions and perform intra-game wagering transactions (see FIG. 39). The tablets 608, 610 display tournament session and prize pool information. At the conclusion of each game prizes are credited to players' respective tablets 608. Players can cash out at any time and are either given cash or a TITO ticket by the dealer. Relevant Tournament data is logged by the table controller 604 and reports are available to the dealer as well as to back of house functions through an Admin Application.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the systems and methods described herein may be a standalone system or incorporated in an existing gaming system. The system of the invention may include various computer and network related software and hardware, such as programs, operating systems, memory storage devices, data input/output devices, data processors, servers with links to data communication systems, wireless or otherwise, and data transceiving terminals. It should also be understood that any method steps discussed herein, such as for example, steps involving the receiving or displaying of data, may further include or involve the transmission, receipt and processing of data through conventional hardware and/or software technology to effectuate the steps as described herein. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the precise types of software and hardware used are not vital to the full implementation of the methods of the invention so long as players and operators thereof are provided with useful access thereto, either through a mobile device, gaming platform, or other computing platform via a local network or global telecommunication network.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

A controller, computing device, or computer, such as described herein, includes at least one or more processors or processing units and a system memory. The controller typically also includes at least some form of computer readable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology that enables storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The terms used herein, such as modules like display module, betting module, award module, servers, like player account server, database server, etc. are for ease in describing and illustrating features and operations of the invention and are not to be considered limiting in any way. Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled in the art should be familiar with the modulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations described herein may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the invention may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention.

In some embodiments, a processor, as described herein, includes any programmable system including systems and microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits (PLC), and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term processor.

In some embodiments, a database, as described herein, includes any collection of data including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, object oriented databases, and any other structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term database. Examples of databases include, but are not limited to only including, Oracle® Database, MySQL, IBM® DB2, Microsoft® SQL Server, Sybase®, and PostgreSQL. However, any database may be used that enables the systems and methods described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, Calif.; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase, Dublin, Calif.).

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Other aspects and features of the invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. It should also be noted, that the steps and/or functions listed within the appended claims, notwithstanding the order of which steps and/or functions are listed therein, are not limited to any specific order of operation.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the systems and methods described herein may be a standalone system or incorporated in an existing gaming system. The system of the invention may include various computer and network related software and hardware, such as programs, operating systems, memory storage devices, data input/output devices, data processors, servers with links to data communication systems, wireless or otherwise, and data transceiving terminals. It should also be understood that any method steps discussed herein, such as for example, steps involving the receiving or displaying of data, may further include or involve the transmission, receipt and processing of data through conventional hardware and/or software technology to effectuate the steps as described herein. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the precise types of software and hardware used are not vital to the full implementation of the methods of the invention so long as players and operators thereof are provided with useful access thereto, either through a mobile device, gaming platform, or other computing platform via a local network or global telecommunication network.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A control method for an apparatus, the apparatus including a memory device, a display, a controller and a game input mechanism, the memory device for storing a program including computer instructions, the controller coupled to the memory device and the display, the game input mechanism coupled to the device and configured to receive input related to the game provided by the gaming device from a dealer, wherein the gaming device is a table game and the players play the game using physical chips, wherein the game input mechanism includes a touch-screen terminal, the controller including a processor programmed to execute the program to perform the steps of: establishing a user interface on the touch-screen terminal and allowing the dealer to enter game information; establishing, by the controller, a plurality of virtual meters and storing the virtual meters in the memory device, each virtual meter being associated with one of the plurality of players and including a current value of funds associated with the respective player, the funds being stored in the virtual meter in a financial unit utilized by the system, the financial unit having a base financial unit; receiving input from the game input mechanism related to wagers made by the players in an instance of the game; receiving input related to an outcome of the instance of the game and establishing a net change associated with each player as a function of the outcome of the instance of the game and the associated wager; maintaining an aggregated record of the funds associated with each player in the respective virtual win as a function of the respective net change, wherein the net change in at least one of the virtual meters is a fractional amount of the base financial unit; and allowing, by the game input mechanism, the dealer to enter a final game outcome of the instance of the game, updating the virtual meters as a function of the final game outcome, and displaying the virtual meters on the display.
 2. A method, as set for in claim 1, wherein the net change is rounded down to a multiple of the base financial unit and added to the respective virtual meter.
 3. A method, as set for in claim 2, wherein a fractional amount left over after the net change is rounded down is tracked in a separate meter.
 4. A method, as set for in claim 3, wherein funds in the separate meter are awarded to one or more players as a function of a prescribed set of criteria.
 5. A method, as set for in claim 1, wherein the game input mechanism receives game information from an external source.
 6. A method, as set for in claim 5, wherein the external source is one or more of a video camera and an electronic card shoe device.
 7. A method, as set for in claim 1, wherein wagers are made using digital currency, the method including the step of receiving, by the controller, wagers made in the digital currency from electronic devices.
 8. A method, as set for in claim 1, wherein the financial unit of the system is credits.
 9. A method, as set for in claim 1, wherein the financial unit of the system is a currency.
 10. An apparatus for use with a gaming device to provide a game to a plurality of players, wherein the gaming device is a table game and the players play the game using physical chips, wherein the game input mechanism includes a touch-screen terminal, the controller being configured to establish a user interface on the touch-screen terminal and to allow the dealer to enter game information, comprising: a memory device storing a program including computer instructions; a display; a controller coupled to the memory device and the display; and, a game input mechanism coupled to the device and configured to receive input related to the game provided by the gaming device from a dealer, the controller including a processor programmed to execute the program to establish a plurality of virtual meters and to store the virtual meters in the memory device, each virtual meter being associated with one of the plurality of players and including a current value of funds associated with the respective player, the fund being stored in the virtual meter in a financial unit utilized by the system, the financial unit having a base financial unit, the processor being further programmed to: receive input from the game input mechanism related to wagers made by the players in an instance of the game; receive input related to an outcome of the instance of the game and establishing a net change associated with each player as a function of the outcome of the instance of the game and the associated wager; maintain an aggregated record of the funds associated with each player in the respective virtual win as a function of the respective net change, wherein the net change in at least one of the virtual meters is a fractional amount of the base financial unit; and, allow the dealer to enter a final game outcome of the instance of the game, to update the virtual meters as a function of the final game outcome and, to display the virtual meters on the display.
 11. An apparatus, as set for in claim 10, wherein the net change is rounded down a multiple of the base financial unit and added to the respective virtual meter.
 12. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 11, wherein a fractional amount left over after the net change is rounded down is tracked in a separate meter.
 13. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 12, wherein funds in the separate meter are awarded to one or more players as a function of a prescribed set of criteria.
 14. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 10, wherein the game input mechanism receives game information from an external source.
 15. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 14, wherein the external source is one or more of a video camera and an electronic card shoe device.
 16. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 10, wherein wagers are made using digital currency, the controller being configured to receive wagers made in the digital currency from electronic devices.
 17. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 10, wherein the financial unit of the system is credits.
 18. An apparatus, as set forth in claim 10, wherein the financial unit of the system is a currency. 